'Pokemon Go' Could Generate Billions For Apple: Analyst

"The next genius that makes a hit game, Apple shares on that one too"

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Sameer Uddin plays "Pokemon Go" on his smartphone outside of Nintendo's flagship store, July 11, 2016, in New York City.

Apple can thank the "Pokemon Go" phenomenon for the billions of sales expected to come into the company, CNBC reports.

Laura Martin, managing director of investment firm Needham & Co., estimates that the smartphone game could generate $3 billion in revenue for Apple in the next 12 to 24 months as the game expands into more countries.

Martin attributes Apple's success to its ecosystem business structure and other revenue generators such as the App Store.

"The next genius that makes a hit game, Apple shares on that one too. So while this one may be transitory, Apple has an option on all future hit games over the iOS platform," Martin said.

'Pokemon Go' Takes Over Children's Hospital

At Johns Hopkins Hospital, "Pokemon Go" gives children with chronic illnesses the chance to have some fun. The hospital has been putting out lures to attract Pokemon to their Children's Center, and also has two pokestops as well as a gym where players can battle.
(Published Wednesday, July 20, 2016)